Franz Johannes Kilian

Abstract

James Becker’s biographical essay on Pastor Franz Johannes Kilian traces the life and ministry of a quiet but faithful servant of the Gospel. Born in Bremen, Germany in 1828, Kilian immigrated to America in 1853 and initially served Moravian congregations. He joined the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in 1861 and served congregations in Greenfield and later in Theresa and Lomira, Wisconsin. Notably, Kilian served as a chaplain in the Civil War with the 26th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, composed largely of German Lutherans. Becker provides historical context for the chaplaincy during the war and details Kilian’s pastoral work, including his dedication despite health challenges. Kilian retired in 1904 due to a throat ailment and died in 1917. His legacy is one of quiet faithfulness, with over 50 years in ministry, 43 of them in WELS. Becker concludes with Koehler’s tribute: Kilian was “faithful to the Lutheran confessions.” Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)